Breaking the Silence on Cancer and Sexuality

Book excerpt: Cancer and its treatments have far-reaching and long-lasting effects on quality of life, and no more so than in the area of sexuality and sexual functioning. The successful treatment of cancer often leaves survivors with an enhanced appreciation of life and the love they have in their lives. Difficulty expressing love through the most intimate of acts is devastating for many couples after treatment. For those who are not partnered, treatment side effects pose additional challenges in the realm of dating and establishing new relationships when body image is altered. In the 10 years since the first edition of this book was published, oncology care providers have shown an increasing interest in addressing their patients' changes to sexuality. The field has moved from an overwhelming silence to discussions that are much more open. Both survivors and their partners have benefited from this. But so too have oncology care providers who are increasingly providing comprehensive care for their patients, especially in this most sensitive aspect of quality of life. This second edition of the award-winning and practice-changing text includes updated evidence and models that address the assessment and management of cancer-related sexual problems for survivors of all ages with a broad variety of cancers. Book jacket.